Home / Sports / Fitzgerald Era Kicks Off: MSU vs. Toledo!
Fitzgerald Era Kicks Off: MSU vs. Toledo!
5 Sep
Summary
- Michigan State opens the 2026 season against Toledo on Sept. 4.
- Pat Fitzgerald debuts as head coach for the Spartans.
- The Spartans are favored but face a tough Toledo team.
The 2026 Michigan State football season officially begins today, September 4th, with a highly anticipated home opener against the Toledo Rockets at Spartan Stadium. Kickoff is set for 8 p.m. ET and will be broadcast on FS1, with streaming options available on Fox One and Fubo.
This game signifies the start of the Pat Fitzgerald era for Michigan State, as the former Northwestern coach takes the helm after the Spartans' 4-8 season in 2025. Fitzgerald's primary objective is to lead MSU to its first bowl appearance since 2021. The Spartans are the favored team heading into this matchup, with odds indicating a 10-point spread in their favor.
Toledo, a perennial contender in the Mid-American Conference, enters the season under new coach Mike Jacobs. Jacobs has significantly bolstered the roster with transfers from Mercer. The Rockets are coming off an 8-4 record in 2025 and are known for their streak of 16 consecutive winning seasons. Despite being underdogs, Toledo presents a formidable challenge for Michigan State's season opener, a test the Spartans must overcome to achieve bowl eligibility.
